2 May 2015 by Simon Yap-
Luke 22:17, Matthew 24:36 (New International Version)
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you.”
36 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
The custom of taking a wife in Jesus’s day was full of beauty and symbolism. If a young man was interested in a woman, he would approach the father of his hopeful bride and express his intentions to him. Sometimes the couple already knew each other, but it must be done in proper order. The father would arrange a meeting in his home between the young man and his daughter, at which time a cup of wine was set before her. This was called “The Cup of Acceptance”. If she agreed to become his wife, she would drink from the cup, if not she would push the cup to the side. Once she drank from the cup, the marriage contract was drawn up. From that time forth she was off limits and set apart as being betrothed. This was the case with Mary and Joseph.
The young man would arise and go to his father’s house to tell him the news of his betrothal. This was the time of preparation. Under the father’s guidance, the young man would begin the building of his home for his future bride. Often times it was an addition to the father’s house, or if they were wealthy and had land, the father would give him a portion to build on. Jesus used this imagery when He said in:
John 14:2-3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
When all was finished and every detail for the up and coming ceremony complete, the father would then go to the son and tell him, “It’s time to go and bring your bride home”. Only the father knew when all was ready. Hence Jesus’s words in: Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Dear friend, stop condemning yourself. You are the bride of Jesus. Get ready! See yourself as perfect as your Husband has presented you to be. You are betrothed! You are deeply loved, highly favoured and greatly blessed!
Thought of the Day:
Hey your wedding is coming. Why are you still complaining? Get ready!
Source : His Grace Is Enough
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Note: This post was republished from an article posted on 27 September 2012 for the benefit of our newer readers.
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